County considers restricting firearms near populated area Hv SCOTT SUMMKRILL jl ! I-M L K t FARMINGTON Hunters may have to go farther far-ther afield if the Davis County Commission adopts an ordinance restricting the discharge of firearms within one mile of structures and homes. Renee Coon, a Bountiful resident, asked the commission com-mission to consider enacting an ordinance similar to one adopied last year in Salt Lake County that bans shooting firearms within one mile of cabins, houses or other, structures regularly occupied by people. Shotguns are restricted to a minimum 600-feet limit from, such buildings. ' I understand and recognize the right of hunters to hum.7' Coon told the board. "Most hunters are responsible, but there are those who are irresponsible.';; irresponsi-ble.';; Coon cited several near-disastrous incidents of carelessness that occurred during the past year, including in-cluding one in which a round from a high-powered rifle ri-fle tipped through the walls of a home and came to rest jjn a child's bed during the last deer hunt. "As public officials, you have a responsibility to protect life and property," she said. County Attorney Mel Wilson said the intent of adopting such an ordinance is valid, but entorcement and jurisdiction could present a problem. "These types of ordinances are very difficult to enforce," en-force," he said. "They require people to be responsible, responsi-ble, and it's the irresponsible people who are causing the problem in the first place." Commissioner William Lawrence pointed out the boundaries of the county may also hamper entorcement. entorce-ment. At some points, the boundary extends to the top of the ridge along the mountain range with few or no homes in the area. At other points, the boundary is lower, and homes can be found within a few feet of the county line. Despite the apparent difficulties in putting together the ordinance, the commission agreed with the concept con-cept of restricting firearm use near homes, and directed the attorney's office and the department of planning to study how it could be done and what ramifications could arise.